Monday, May 22, 2006

Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive

Prishtina [Pristina], 22 May: Government and political representatives of Kosova [Kosovo] congratulated today the citizens of Montenegro on their peaceful referendum, reaching the decision to return the sovereignty of their country.

In his note addressed to Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, Assembly Speaker Ranko Krivokapic, and Minister of Minorities Gezim Hajdinaga, President Fatmir Sejdiu said, "We respect the political will of the Montenegrin people and that it is a valid decision since the citizens have chosen it."

Kosova Prime Minister Agim Ceku said that the people of Montenegro have expressed their will to live free in their independent country, and Kosovar citizens respect it.

Ceku also said that this process has proven that Montenegro has a functioning democracy, where each citizen could raise its voice for the future of his country.

"I wish Montenegro to continue the path of democracy and of the European integration," said Ceku.

The chairman of the Democratic Party of Kosova [PDK], Hashim Thaci, greeted the decision of the Montenegrin citizens for independence of their country.

The chairman of the Reformist Party Hour, Veton Surroi, said that he was pleased to receive the news on the results of the referendum in Montenegro. "Both the result and the turnout demonstrated the maturity of the Montenegrin society, a European society, which turned back the sovereignty," said Surroi.